Ottawa Architecture Week: Festival of Design and Imagination is an annual week-long festival that welcomes everyone to explore architecture, urbanism, art and design in Ottawa. It is presented by the Ottawa Regional Society of Architects (ORSA) with the help of local volunteers and businesses.

VACANC(IT)Y : ADAPTING OTTAWA FOR A COMPLETE COMMUNITY

Welcome to Ottawa Architecture Week 2024, a festival that celebrates Ottawa’s built environment. This year, we will explore the challanges and opportunities presented by vacant spaces within our city through our theme “Vacant City: Adapting Ottawa for a Complete Community”. From abandoned buildings, to unused lots, these empty spaces hold immense potential to be reimagined and repurposed for the benefit of the entire community.

LET’S ASK OURSELVES THESE QUESTIONS THROUGH DIFFERENT EVENTS PLANNED DURING OTTAWA ARCHITECTURE WEEK:

• How can we harness the potential of vacant spaces in Ottawa to foster a sense of community ownership and participation?

• What are some successful examples from other cities of adaptive reuse projects that have transformed vacant areas into thriving community hubs?

• In what ways can architecture and urban design contribute to addressing social and economic disparities within our city, particularly in areas with high rates of vacancy?

• How can we balance the preservation of Ottawa’s cultureal heritage with the need for adaptive urban development in vacant areas?

• What role can technology and digital innovation play in revitalizing vacant spaces and enhancing community engagement in the process?

• Are there any designed interventions that have been executed to succesfully combat vacancy in Ottawa?

LET’S START THE CONVERSATION.

See www.oawfest.com for our full schedule of events.